At Barnstaple Magistrates' Court on 17 December 2024, Daniel Ward, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of breaching a Community Protection Notice (CPN) issued by North Devon Council. Mr Ward did not attend the hearing or submit a plea, prompting the magistrates to proceed in his absence.

The CPN was served to Mr Ward on 20 December 2023 and required him to adhere to several conditions, including:

- Not loitering, sitting, sleeping, or begging outside retail premises on Barnstaple High Street at any time.

- Not littering.

- Not defecating or urinating in a public place.

- Not leaving personal belongings outside any premises on Barnstaple High Street.

Despite these conditions, Mr Ward repeatedly failed to comply with the Notice. After reviewing the evidence, the magistrates found him guilty on all counts and imposed a fine of £50 per offence. However, recognising Mr Ward’s limited means, the court opted not to impose a costs order but added a £40 victim surcharge.

North Devon Council Chief Executive, Ken Miles, said: "This outcome demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that Barnstaple remains a safe and welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors. Community Protection Notices are issued as a last resort, and their breach cannot be ignored. While we are mindful of the challenges faced by those who are homeless, compliance with such notices is essential to maintaining public order and cleanliness on our high streets."

The council's Facebook page provides regular updates from its ASB team about the work it conducts in the community on a daily basis. All activity relating to the council's work to combat ASB can be found using #NDCsaysnotoASB.